100 Yen Store

Have you been thinking about 100 yen? Good.

I've been thinking about 100 Yen A LOT since I've been here. Why? 

Because of places like these:

These are just a few pictures of 100 Yen Shops. Think of them as dollar stores but BETTER! These stores have EVERYTHING and it's pretty good quality. 

Side note: The Daiso is similar to a Dollar General, not everything is 100 Yen but it is in 100 Yen increments. However, the majority of items are 108 Yen. 

I haven't been here that long so as of right now the Daiso at the Rycom Mall is my favorite. I have already shopped at this Daiso four or five times since I've been here! This store is two stories and filled with all kinds of goodies. Most 100 Yen Shops have a variety of items for grooming, household, car care, pets, office supplies, kitchen supplies, snacks, footwear, craft supplies and everything in between. This Daiso is my favorite because it has a lot of space and therefore, can pack in A LOT of items. 

Side note: not all 100 Yen Shops are this size - some are quite small. 

My house has been decorated, in my opinion, nicely thanks to these stores. I have purchased curtains, curtain rods, tablecloths, place mats, welcome mats and an accent pillow all from the Daiso!

We didn't have towels when we moved into our house, but thanks to the Daiso I didn't have to spend a fortune on them. Now we have enough to get us by until our towels arrive. 

Samwise's toys have been limited because our household goods shipment has yet to arrive, but once again, thanks to the Daiso I've been able to pick up toys for him for 108 yen that have lasted through his rough play (and he can destroy a toy, I assure you). 

Need an organizer for your bathroom or kitchen?

Need a laundry hamper?

Toothbrush?

Postcards?

Coffee mugs?

Wall art?

Slippers?

Wallet?

Shovel?

Phone charger? 

DAISO!

I'm telling you, this store is wonderful! When you come to Okinawa don't leave without visiting the Daiso. If you move to Okinawa you must visit a 100 Yen Shop. You can find so much of what you need to set up your home and save so much money!

The last tip I want to give everyone about the 100 Yen Shop is this: every time you visit the 100 Yen Shop try a new snack or beverage. If you can't get any indication what it is you're about to buy, use Google Translate to help you figure it out. 

We have tried many yummy snacks and beverages from the Daiso! Trying new things is not only tasty but it's fun. It's fun to open up the package, grab a piece of whatever it is, place it in your mouth, bite down, and experience a new flavor or texture you've never had before. Or to do all of that with great anticipation of it being unfamiliar only to realize you just bought short bread cookies. Either way, you'll love it or you'll laugh. Just remember "It won't hurt you." So, have fun!

Side note: If you have a food allergy you'll definitely need to utilize Google translate out in town. I would recommend using the app to ask sales associates and not just scanning the package as sometimes the app has trouble picking up the full context of the package (i.e., it may only grab the text from half of the label and not the whole label when it gives you the translation and if you're not careful you could miss a section that identifies your allergy).

And with that, grab your change purse and happy shopping!